McCandless has earned Bird Town Pennsylvania’ s 96th designation, recognizing the community’ s ongoing commitment to conservation, sustainability and creating a healthier environment for people and wildlife. BY NICOLE TAFE
McCandless Takes Flight
McCandless has earned Bird Town Pennsylvania’ s 96th designation, recognizing the community’ s ongoing commitment to conservation, sustainability and creating a healthier environment for people and wildlife. BY NICOLE TAFE
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McCandless has earned a new distinction— and this one has wings. It has officially been named Pennsylvania’ s 96th Bird Town— joining a growing network of communities working to create healthier, more sustainable environments for birds, wildlife and people.
For McCandless, the designation recognizes work that has already been happening throughout the town while opening the door for even more conservation efforts in the years ahead.
“ McCandless is proud to be named a Bird Town, and we are excited to be part of a network of other municipalities with similar environmental stewardship priorities,” says Lizz Venanzi, McCandless’ community engagement manager.
Bird Town Pennsylvania works in partnership with local municipalities to encourage community-based conservation actions. The goal goes well beyond simply providing a place for birds to live. By protecting habitats and promoting wildlife-friendly practices, communities can also improve the environment for the people who live there.
McCandless was recertified in 2026 as a Sustainable PA Gold Standard Community— another recognition that aligns closely with the goals of Bird Town Pennsylvania. Many of the actions that helped it earn that designation also supported the efforts to become a Bird Town.
Town Council, the Environmental Advisory Committee( EAC) and residents have all played a role in that work. McCandless has adopted environmental proclamations, resolutions and ordinances addressing issues such as stormwater management, deer population control, recycling, timber harvesting, outdoor lighting, wetlands and landscaping. A planting guide and ongoing efforts toward long-term tree preservation and restoration add to the community’ s environmental efforts.
Other initiatives include an environmental speaker series, native gardening education and invasive species removal. Together, the programs are helping residents better understand how everyday choices can affect the wildlife and natural resources around them.
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